Archive for 'Kushi-Q'

It’s been a few years since we last looked at Kushi-Q and its yakitori. Although its 3rd Ave. location shut down in 2010, the Citigroup Center food court location (at 53rd and Lex) is still going strong. One of Zach’s biggest complaints about the place in 2010 was that it was kind of pricy for the amount of food you actually got. Now, they’re trying to appeal more to low budget lunchers with a $6 special.

As much I love meat on a stick, I admit I haven’t been back to Kushi Q (on 3rd Ave. btw. 45+46th) since they first opened almost 3 years ago. I liked it enough, for a fast food-under $10 yakitori spot, but it’s always tough for me to revisit a place. What can I say? Midtown lunch is a tough a gig. :-)

It’s been awhile since we mentioned Kushi-Q, the Japanese fast food yakitori place on 3rd Ave btw. 45+46th. Apparently they are doing well enough to expand… the plan is to open this 2nd location inside the Citigroup Building food court on 53rd btw. Lex+3rd sometime in September.

Who doesn’t love meat on a stick? Who doesn’t love anyting on sticks for that matter? Put something on a stick, and you’re talking immediate improvement. Meat. Apple dipped in caramel. Imagine taking a hot dog, dipping it in batter, deep frying it, and then eating it- without a stick. Terrible, right? Put it on a stick… greatest treat of all time! So, when I heard about Kushi Q opening on 3rd Ave., I was naturally very excited. Japanese Yakitori (and other meats), in a “fast food chic” setting. There are plenty of amazing Yakitori places in Midtown, but they don’t open until the late afternoon. In Japan, Yakitori is traditionally eaten as an after work snack, or late night in bars called Izakayas. Kushi Q allows you to enjoy Yakitori for lunch, in Midtown. Very exciting!

Not discouraged by all the early negativity, I headed over to check Kushi Q out last week…. and was pleasantly surprised. It’s not without its problems- but the potential is there. What I got, the +/-, and pictures of futuristic machinery necessary to serve fast food yakitori- after the jump… Read more »